Asian Copy Camo

Textile factories around the world have been copying camouflage patterns for decades, some for the purpose of becoming military issue uniforms, and some simply for commercial purposes. If anything, the practice of copying military issue camouflage designs has increased and is now commonplace. This section will attempt to profile some of the more interesting copies of well-known camouflage designs, and identify the source of the fabric and/or the garments.

• South Korean ERDL

It is believed these copies of the US M-1948 ERDL or leaf camouflage pattern originated in one or more South Korean factories, and that no military use was ever made of them. A comparison with original ERDL design shows the pattern is based on the original drawings but that some of the shapes are slightly warped. The samples here are taken from faithful copies of the US Cold Weather Field Coat (M65 field jacket) with US style labels but slightly incorrect nomenclature. Such items were never manufactured for use by the US Armed Forces, nor is there photographic documentation known to suggest they were worn by another country or organization. We are therefore assuming the origins are purely commercial and made for the civilian market.